"The electors see their representative not only
as a legislator for the state but also as the
natural protector of local interests in the legislature;
indeed, they almost seem to think that he has a power of attorney
to represent each constituent, and they trust him to be as eager
in their private interests as in those of the country."
by:
Alexis de Tocqueville
[Alexis Charles Henri Maurice Clerel, le Comte de Tocqueville] (1805-1859) French historian
Source:
Democracy in America, 1835
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/DETOC/toc_indx.html
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I am not quite sure how to rate this. The statement is extremely accurate and to the point. The quote illuminates the very concept that created a nation of carnal god worshiping ignorant slaves. The originating concept at law was that, the representative was not to / could not represent the individual personally but rather, the individual's inalienable right(s) that was/were held equal and united by each and every sovereign. The representative could represent nothing any one elector did not posses in and of himself. Lawfully, there could/can never exist compelled compliance, license, victimless crimes, larceny with impunity (property, income, on life taxes, funny money, etc.), non-recognition of inalienable rights or a local standing army (policing agencies) to enforce tyranny.
 -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    Thank goodness for the Electoral College.
     -- jim k, austin tx     
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    Right Jim k. Can you imagine having to recount every vote in the nation rather than in an electoral district.
     -- cal, lewisville, tx     
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    At least that was the concept. Imagine if it really was like that!
     -- E Archer, NYC     
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